Five years after COVID-19 pandemic broke out, the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus Virus (HMPV) in northern China has raised new concerns around the world.
But, there is no need to panic about the spread of the HMPV in Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Special Assistant for Health and family welfare Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, told reporters at his office on Monday.
There is also no risk it's outbreak as an epidemic in Bangladesh, he said.
He said that an expert committee would be formed to develop guidelines for its treatment. Once the guidelines are prepared, we will share them with doctors.
He said that HMPV will be treated as common flu.
What we call common flu or viral flu is caused by viruses, HMPV is one of them.
It has been present in Bangladesh for more than 20 years. In the case of viral flu, there is no recommended method to identify which virus caused it.
Dr Sayedur said, "We want to be clear that there is no need to panic. In fact, based on what science knows about this virus, there is no risk of a major pandemic."
The HMPV spread in various areas of northern China during the current winter season. Children are being more affected by this virus. Patients infected with the virus have also been identified in neighbouring India. The existence of the HMPV has already been detected in the human body in Bangladesh.
He said that those who are a little sick should follow simple hygiene rules. This will reduce their risk. For others, except for patients with COPD, kidney disease, children and the elderly, low immunity persons, and those taking cancer medications.
He said that those who are diagnosed with the HMPV should take treatment for the common flu. Drink more water, eat nutritious food. There is nothing to panic. Neither the World Health Organisation (WHO) nor any other country where the disease occurred, issued warning.
After detecting an infected woman in Bangladesh, the Directorate General of Health Services has issued 7-point instruction to prevent the spread of the virus.
They include, use a mask for protection from winter respiratory diseases, covering nose and mouth with elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing, throwing the used tissue immediately in a covered garbage bin and washing hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water, avoiding close contact with infected people and maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet with them, washing hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds, not touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands and staying at home until recovery from fever, cough, and shortness of breath and if necessary, contact the nearest hospital.
